“Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” -Hal Borland
The start of a new calendar year is always a worthy cause for reflection. So last night, after we watched the ball drop, I asked Paul what he thought our 2010 highlights were. It didn’t take us long to come up with a list:
1. A SWEETER MARRIAGE
Admittedly, we had a rough go at it for the first 10 months or so. Paul was a full-time student at the College of Charleston, dealing with the pressure of working his way into dental school. I started working my first real job on staff with my college basketball team. On top of that, I was a full-time grad student and we both worked food & bev jobs on the weekends. Needless to say, life was stressful. And learning how to be married under those circumstances was challenging. But we had great support from our families and friends, and from our Newlywed group at church. We relied on the Lord to make something out of what sometimes seemed like nothing. God has a funny way of refining us, and that was exactly what he did. We didn’t think it was funny at the time. But now we look back at things like the failure of a 1st Christmas, the Hilton Head vacation disaster, and the infamous broken champagne glass—and laugh :) Year Two was much improved, and we’re looking forward to many, many more!
2. ERIKA FINISHING GRADUATE SCHOOL
I remember one of my undergraduate professors telling us that only 1% of the world’s population gets a degree in higher education. So, I have very much appreciated the academic opportunities I’ve had. Nevertheless, walking across that stage to get my Master’s signified freedom! No more homework and studying for tests…need I say more?!
3. PAUL FINISHING HIS 1st YEAR OF DENTAL SCHOOL
Completing the 1st of 4 years was certainly an accomplishment. At this point, Paul has 1 semester left of the “book years,” before he moves on to the “clinic years” this Summer. And he’s going to make a great dentist! C’mon, who wouldn’t trust Paul to put sharp objects in their mouth? No but seriously, I’ve seen such a transformation in my husband during his time in dental school. He’s gone from totally stressing out about everything to taking it all in stride. God never puts more on us than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13), and seeking His kingdom FIRST comes with many blessings (Matthew 6:33).
Completing the 1st of 4 years was certainly an accomplishment. At this point, Paul has 1 semester left of the “book years,” before he moves on to the “clinic years” this Summer. And he’s going to make a great dentist! C’mon, who wouldn’t trust Paul to put sharp objects in their mouth? No but seriously, I’ve seen such a transformation in my husband during his time in dental school. He’s gone from totally stressing out about everything to taking it all in stride. God never puts more on us than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13), and seeking His kingdom FIRST comes with many blessings (Matthew 6:33).
4. OUR EUROPEAN VACATION
What a treat!! We wandered the streets of Venice, climbed up to the Parthenon, drove an ATV around Santorini, walked the fortress wall in Dubrovnik, and watched the sunset from our seaside dinner table in Mykonos. We’re definitely not the hopeless romantic-type, but we couldn’t help but be swept away on this adventure!
What a treat!! We wandered the streets of Venice, climbed up to the Parthenon, drove an ATV around Santorini, walked the fortress wall in Dubrovnik, and watched the sunset from our seaside dinner table in Mykonos. We’re definitely not the hopeless romantic-type, but we couldn’t help but be swept away on this adventure!
5. FINDING OUT WE WERE PREGNANT
2011 is the year of the baby! Our daughter has already captured our hearts, even though she still doesn’t have a name! The debate continues between Ava Leigh (my vote) and Caleigh Ray (Paul’s vote). In baseball, the tie goes to the runner. I have jokingly said that, in this case, the tie goes to the one who has to push it out! But really, we are praying and asking for clarity on what her name should be. God cares about even the details of our lives (Matthew 10:29-31) .
2011 is the year of the baby! Our daughter has already captured our hearts, even though she still doesn’t have a name! The debate continues between Ava Leigh (my vote) and Caleigh Ray (Paul’s vote). In baseball, the tie goes to the runner. I have jokingly said that, in this case, the tie goes to the one who has to push it out! But really, we are praying and asking for clarity on what her name should be. God cares about even the details of our lives (Matthew 10:29-31) .
Despite the lack of pink icing, we found out it was a girl! Ask us about the cake story if you don't know it already...;)
Thanksgiving Dinner in Charleston
Our very first Christmas tree!
The basketball team's Christmas Party was at our house. Here they are with their Secret Santa gifts!
Christmas morning in NY
We have had a wonderful end to 2010. We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Lambert family in Charleston, and went to my home in Upstate NY for Christmas. Basketball season is well underway, and our young CofC team is looking better every day. The baby’s nursery has a crib and a changing table (thank you to our family for the wonderful gifts!), and some paint samples on the wall. Who knew that painting the room purple would be such a task?! Cosmic Berry? Grape Juice? Lavender Whisper? We shall see…
January 2011 promises to be an interesting start to the new year! For me—Weeks #25-#28 of pregnancy and poundage to go with it; Childbirth Education & Breastfeeding classes; and lots of Southern Conference basketball action. For Paul—the start of a new dental school semester (this is when they get to start using the novocaine needle!); Boot Camp for Dads; and plenty of home improvement projects! And for you—we hope 2011 is a terrific year!
-Erika
